S03E07 - Jeanette Breen on lessons learnt from high-performing schools

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeanette Breen — Learning Specialist at Templestowe Heights Primary School and Head of Global Partnerships at No More Marking — to unpack insights from her recent tour of some of the highest-performing schools across the UK. From standalone primaries to schools within trusts like Ark Academy, and even the renowned Michaela Community School, where she met Katharine Birbalsingh, Jeanette explored what’s making a real impact in classrooms and leadership teams.

What makes this conversation truly unique is not just Jeanette’s sharp eye for what works — it’s that you’ll also hear directly from the educators she met along the way, thanks to recordings made on-site during her journey. You’ll hear from: 

• Andrew Percival and Jess Rennie - Stanley Road Primary School, Oldham
• Madeleine Roberts, David Williams, Jonathan Howlett and Ellen Clarke - Ark Curriculum team
• Matt Burnage - Ark Soane
• Claire Stoneman - 4 Dwellings Academy, Birmingham
• Michael Eggleton - Charles Dickens Primary
• Stuart Houghton - Ribbon Academy, Murton
• Dr Haili Hughes - Professor of teacher coaching & mentoring, Academica University oas, Director of Education, IRIS Connect. ECF & NPQ facilitator
• Bruno Reddy - CEO Times Tables Rock Stars and former head of Mathematics at King Solomon Academy

If you're looking to sharpen your teaching, rethink your curriculum, or get inspired by what’s working in leading schools abroad, this episode is packed with gold.

Resources mentioned:

• Daisy Christodoulou - Seven myths in education and Making good progress
• The Rose report
• StepLab
• Teach Like A Champion
• New wave maths books
• The Writing Revolution
• TimesTable Rockstars
• Grattan report on multi-school organisations
• Think Forward Educators
• Core knowledge units
• Numeracy screener being trialed by the Center for Independent Studies (CIS)
• White Rose Maths
• What Works Series
• ResearchED
• No More Marking

You can connect with Jeanette:

X/Twitter: @jettybe3

Linkedin

e-mail: jeanette.breen@education.vic.gov.au or jeanette@nomoremarking.com

You can connect with Brendan:

X/Twitter: @learnwithmrlee

Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft

Facebook: @learningwithmrlee

Website learnwithlee.net

Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/

Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast: 

https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

 

About Jeanette Breen

Jeanette is an experienced teacher, presenter, and liaison for the creation of partnerships and professional learning opportunities. In addition to her school-based role at Templestowe Heights PS Victoria, Jeanette works with UK company No More Marking as the bridge for schools using innovative writing assessment. She leads a Writing Network with Think Forward Educators and is a founding member of Sharing Best Practice. Jeanette holds a
Professional Certificate in Clinical Teaching and Masters in Instructional Leadership.

Becoming a Better Maths Teacher: Craig Barton’s Aussie Tour with Ollie Lovell

For the first time ever, the UK’s most celebrated mathematics teacher, podcaster, and author, Craig Barton, is coming to Australia for a nationwide tour. Craig will be joined by Australia’s own Ollie Lovell for an unforgettable day of professional learning designed to transform your teaching practice.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event! Four dates, four cities:

• Perth: Friday, June 20, 2025
• Melbourne: Monday, June 23, 2025
• Sydney: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
• Adelaide: Friday, June 27, 2025

Seats are limited—secure your spot today and take your mathematics teaching to the next level!